Sunday, June 17, 2012
MAC Wk 3 Art of Possibility Post
I continue to be impressed and inspired by The Art of Possibility. Chapter five, which deals with leading from any chair, helped me realize that all of my students and members are leaders in their own right, even if they don't know it. It is my responsibility to lead when needed, but more importantly to provide opportunity within my classroom construct for others to lead. It's easier to accomplish this at my church as discussions are easily taken over to the point that it's a struggle to rein everyone back in, but I enjoy those discussions
Rule #6 is a philosophy I've been living for a long time. It keeps me from stressing too much over trivial things and helps balance my marriage. It has also helped me get through my first couple years of teaching and adapt to different difficult situations. By keeping my calculating self in check and thinking from a central self position, I have been able to operate objectively in the face of adversity and reach students where others were not successful.
Operating in the way things are from a downward spiral perspective is something that I feel educators consistently fall prey to, including myself. The conditions we are forced to work in can perpetuate this line of thinking with no "light at the end of the tunnel" seemingly in sight. We have to learn to have more conversations of possibility and be the optimist in the midst of a pessimistic and cynical society. Eventually we will sway others to our way of thinking and if we don't, at least we can find comfort in knowing we are providing the "light".
Finally, I often give way to passion when I sing or compete, but have usually only reserved it for those settings. I am going to take the governor off my passion and let it flow like the stream in the reading. Maybe the passion I've been reserving for music and sports will touch others in mathematics and I know its increased use will serve my ministry well.
I continue to be impressed and inspired by The Art of Possibility. Chapter five, which deals with leading from any chair, helped me realize that all of my students and members are leaders in their own right, even if they don't know it. It is my responsibility to lead when needed, but more importantly to provide opportunity within my classroom construct for others to lead. It's easier to accomplish this at my church as discussions are easily taken over to the point that it's a struggle to rein everyone back in, but I enjoy those discussions
Rule #6 is a philosophy I've been living for a long time. It keeps me from stressing too much over trivial things and helps balance my marriage. It has also helped me get through my first couple years of teaching and adapt to different difficult situations. By keeping my calculating self in check and thinking from a central self position, I have been able to operate objectively in the face of adversity and reach students where others were not successful.
Operating in the way things are from a downward spiral perspective is something that I feel educators consistently fall prey to, including myself. The conditions we are forced to work in can perpetuate this line of thinking with no "light at the end of the tunnel" seemingly in sight. We have to learn to have more conversations of possibility and be the optimist in the midst of a pessimistic and cynical society. Eventually we will sway others to our way of thinking and if we don't, at least we can find comfort in knowing we are providing the "light".
Finally, I often give way to passion when I sing or compete, but have usually only reserved it for those settings. I am going to take the governor off my passion and let it flow like the stream in the reading. Maybe the passion I've been reserving for music and sports will touch others in mathematics and I know its increased use will serve my ministry well.
I really enjoyed how you composed your blog and how you constructed your perception of the chapters. Very similar to the nuggets I gathered. I'm glad you mentioned the "downward spiral" concept. I forgot to mention that on my blog post, but I did like how you compared it to educators and how they fall prey to that ideal. Educators do seem to get into a "funk" or more of a pessimistic view of their work situation. Adapting an optimistic approach to work or your environment, can change the situation or make you feel more comfortable.